IceHogs News

Houston, Tex.- The third game in three nights wasn’t kind to the Rockford IceHogs on Sunday as they fell to the Houston Aeros 4-1 at the Toyota Center. Rockford couldn’t carry over the momentum from their win a night ago over the Texas Stars.

Houston struck first on Sunday early in the first period. J.M. Daoust picked up his own rebound and shoved it into the Rockford net just 1:12 into the opening frame. Daoust’s team-leading ninth goal was set up by Chad Rau and Ryan Gunderson.

Evan Brophey tied it for the IceHogs in the second period with his fifth goal of the season. Brophey finished off a transition rush with Bryan Bickell at 8:23 to knot the game at 1-1.

Houston came back to reclaim the lead with a power play marker. Jon DiSalvatore blasted a point slap shot through traffic and past Dan Cloutier for his fifth goal of the campaign at 14:57. The goal was set up by Gunderson and Daoust.

In the third period the Aeros added a pair of insurance goals to pull away. Maxime Noreau hammered home his fifth goal of the season at 3:11 off a Robbie Earl pass making it 3-1.

Rockford pulled Cloutier late for the extra attacker but it Houston who capitalized. Danny Irmen buried the empty netter to finish off the IceHogs at 19:34.

Rockford was outshot 27-21 in the contest and both clubs had five power play opportunities and the Aeros converted the only chance.

Winger Kyle Greentree had his team season high nine-game point streak come to an end as well on Sunday. Greentree had tallied 6g-6a over his previous nine contests before Sunday’s game.

Next Home Game: Friday, Dec. 18 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs welcome the rival Chicago Wolves into the Rockford MetroCentre for their seventh of ten meetings on the 2009-10 season. The first 2,500 fans will pick up an IceHogs Christmas Stocking courtesy of the Rockford Park District and WXRX.